Classic Poem

HELLO , M ARIE ! You sweet, old girl,
You of the Province cool and true,
I'm fagged and done with the City whirl,
And I've come for quieting to you!
I'm out of the game, Marie; I'm through,
And want but a chair in the sunlight placed,
With nothing to do, dear, nothing to do —
Give me now these hours to waste!

Something to eat? Well, after a while
I'd like a chicken fricassee
Creamed in good Acadian style
With ketchup and things peppery,
And a twist of bread and pot o' tea:
A supper that to the Queen's taste
If you will cook it! But, Marie,
Give me now these hours to waste!

My Lady in your House of Ease,
Clean of all pretence and mask,
Let me lounge just as I please,
Tossing from me every task!
Let me like some lizard bask
Fatly with my soul effaced
In the sun! No more I ask —
Give me now these hours to waste!

For I've been troubled overlong,
And I'd be quit of stress and haste,
And quit of doing, right or wrong —
Give me now these hours to waste!